fell on my face running out at the start. there was a long stretch of shallow water to run through and I think it was a combination of numb feet and lack of focus. Got pummeled by everyone behind me as I fought to get back in it. Worst swim start ever. Stark contrast to disney where I sprinted and got off the front. Swim starts make a BIG difference, especially at a race like this where swim abilities between the girls are very similar. The entire way out I was battling with girls for position so I stuck to keeping a really good line and I nudged my way just inside the buoys (except for the corner ones obviously, don't want a dq) for almost the entire way because I was so fed up with the constant boxing match. That helped quite a bit. Out at the top of the rectangle there was some definite swell and it was a bit rough. Not a comfortable swim at all.

Focus better, get my head in the game and not fall on my face.

Fun running through the showers. Had good assistance in the tent, very quick wetsuit peel. Went great.

Nothing.

Drafting was totally unbelievable. Because M18-29 were behind us it was just the biggest draft fest on the planet. I didn't draft one bit and I'm proud of my split. First time under 2:30 and I earned it by myself, even if I was the ONLY one not drafting. Getting off the bike I was near two strong girls in my age group going back and forth passing with them and I was excited for a good race. As soon as the first draft pack came behind us, they were gone with them. I came to this race determined not to cheat and I didn't. You can't complain about the cheating and drafting if you are one of the guilty parties. On top of that, the drafting was DANGEROUS. Groups of 40-50 going 30+ through narrow sections and turns. I saw lots of accidents complete with ambulances. One girl on the ground unconscious, lots of mangled bikes. Very good thing this race is being moved to vegas. Totally ridiculous.

I had a strong ride, went well. Went through two bottles of water, 1 bottle of powerbar perform. I didn't take my salt sticks and that screwed me on the run. Stupidest mistake ever. Other than that I think I had a great bike. Just wish I could really see how I stacked up against other girls without all the cheating.

Transition was nice. Had bike catchers and everything. Since I run with my shoes on that may have slowed me down. Maybe I need to learn this fast transition stuff but its just not my thing.

First 6 felt incredible. Felt like I hadn't even been biking on the first part of the run. Nice fresh legs. Tried to keep it at 7:15's and was holding back to do so. It was easy and not too hot, I was feeling really positive about my goal of getting under 1:40 (and maybe closer to 1:35). I moderated my efforts up the bridge to make sure I wasn't red lining and it all felt great. Around mile 6 my tummy started talking to me. I had gotten in one gel just 15 minutes into the run but had ignored taking my salt sticks the entire bike and run and I think it caught up to me. Mile 6-10 was a constant plea with myself to keep going as my stomach was going further south and I couldn't get any calories in. Finally at mile 10 I knew I had to stop. After 3 minutes in the porta potty with diarrhea (yup, timed it. I'm a dork) I felt MUCH better. Started to be able to take in calories and the rest of the run wasn't so bad. By this point I had kinda given up on my goals and I just wanted to soak up the rest of the run and enjoy the fact that I was here and healthy after being on crutches all summer with a stress fracture. My hip held up great, there was only one time I felt like it wanted to cramp but other than that I had no pain. There were girls in my AG around me towards the end but I jogged it in and soaked up the experience high fiving everyone in the finishing chute. I teared up as I made my way to the finish. I'm back. I did it and I know I can race again now. My dad was there at the finish line too and he was healthy as well which is amazing given that he was hit by a car on his bike memorial day weekend (the same time I was diagnosed with the femoral stress fracture) and he was in the hospital for two weeks clinging to life. What a surreal moment and a surreal year. I'm so grateful that my dad was here to cheer me on. The fact that he's healthy, walking, alive and able to travel is nothing short of a miracle after whoever hit him left him unconscious on the side of the road only to be found by another biker almost 30 minutes into fighting for his life. I thank God for that biker every day. It was surreal as well to know that I can even run 13 miles again as that was only the second time I had done that since returning to running in August. Despite the fact that I'm beating myself up for knowing I had that sub 1:40 in me had I not made some stupid mistakes, I'm so happy to be back racing and to have made it through this challenging season. You never know what life will throw at you.

take my stupid salt sticks! I had them in my pocket and was just lazy. I was soaked in salt stains on the back half of the run and I think not taking my electrolytes is what caused me to be sick (for 2 days by the way... not fun.)

ha. nope. end of the season. unless repeated bouts of diarrhea every 20 minutes counts as a warm down.


not taking my salt sticks
lack of run mileage as I was coming back from the stress fracture
lack of mental focus
falling on my face in the swim start


The Clearwater experience overall was pretty cool. Felt really special to be there and they really go all out and make it more like an ironman. The pre race dinner was one of the best I've had and when you check your bike in, you have a personal escort that takes you to your rack with your name on it! pretty cool. felt super special for that!